Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has announced the significant progress in disaster recovery following the Palisades fire, with a notable milestone reached—the clearance of debris from nearly 2,000 properties. The cleanup work, carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is considered a crucial step before the rebuilding process can begin in earnest. According to an update from the Mayor's office, the Palisades area has seen nearly 900,000 tons of debris removed.
In what Mayor Bass refers to as potentially "the fastest in modern California history," the city's recovery efforts are eclipsing previous records. "Rebuilding is underway — crews are working every day to remove debris in the Palisades and expedite the timeline to get families home," Mayor Bass said. A total of 54 permits for 40 addresses have already been issued for reconstruction, with hundreds more applications in process. The first permit was granted 57 days after the Palisades Fire began, a turnaround that more than doubles the speed permits were issued after past fires like the Camp and Woolsey fires.
Colonel Jeff Palazzini of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers praised the interagency cooperation and community engagement that has allowed for the swift clearing of debris. "We are honored to be coordinating this historically fast and safe debris removal operation," he told the Mayor's office. With 75% of properties opting into the program cleared, the project represents a significant feat in recovery and rebuilding.
The speed of debris removal isn't the sole impressive factor in Los Angeles' recovery endeavors. Utilities have been restored at a record rate, with water and power up and running in just two months post-disaster. In contrast, the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, saw an 18-month delay before restoration of safe drinking water. Furthermore, Mayor Bass utilized her executive power to facilitate relief and reconstruction efforts, such as cutting red tape for small businesses and accelerating the permitting processes with innovative measures like AI Pilot programs for self-certification.
Additionally, with the looming threat of weather-related disasters, the City was proactive in fortifying areas susceptible to slides by installing concrete barriers and sandbags. These preventive actions, combined with streamlined relief and financial assistance for fire survivors, represent the comprehensive strategy Mayor Bass and the City of L.A. have implemented in the face of adversity. Survivors have also been protected by new ordinances that deliver tax relief, prohibit evictions, and prevent price gouging during state of emergency declarations.
